There is decent shopping within walking distance of Choate. On the same street as Rosa's, across from the church, down by the Mexican dive and adjacent to the train station, is a store called Fresh on Five. Yes, it's a bit of a hike, and even when you're there you may doubt you have arrived. But don't let the window display mislead you. Those heinous cardigans, fit for a sagging, post-hippie aunt, paired with unflattering acid washed jeans…that's all just a façade. In fact, they are the worst clothes in the store. Perhaps it is a ploy to keep the interior spacious by reducing foot traffic--either that, or a lure for said card-carrying relation, who would be quite disappointed with the lack of frumpiness in the store itself.

In fact, the store is elegant, well lit, and comfortable. The saleswomen are friendly, but never cloyingly so. On certain days they treat you to gourmet iced cookies made by "their friend" in town and tea in china cups. This ambiance, combined with the relatively small scale of the store-contribute to a very shopper-friendly environment.

The main room contains four racks of breezy silk tanks, dressy skirts, and pants-running between one and three Benjamins a pop. The rest of the racks are essentially dominated by Free People, Fresh on Five's top seller. For those of you who don't know, FP is a classier Urban Outfitters. If you don't know what Urban Outfitters is, I can't help you. From this brand, the dresses are a great pick. The early spring stock is in, and while the selection is hit and miss, it is largely wearable. Also, the leggings and waffle weave shirts are both under forty and quite practical for layering (or lounging in.) A side room has two racks of informal shirts, from such brands as Love and Liberty, 3 Dots, and LA Made. My favorites are Ts by a brand called Alternative, unbelievable soft and all in muted heather colors.

To the thrill of all bargain hunters, the store allows you to literally go diving through a plastic tub until you emerge with, say, a Michael Stars cami and a sundress. The fit isn't great, and neither are the colors, but there is a reason all the items are ten dollars. A table in the middle of this room has the popular Séraphine jeans (averaging $149) in many washes and fits. Along an entire wall runs the sale section of off-season articles. In equal proportion with the ridiculous (purple gypsy blouses, anyone?) are some great mini-dresses. If you’re into the nubbly-long-sweater with yoga pants look, Fresh on Five has you covered. Speaking of, there are three comfortable dressing rooms, outfitted with mirrors, in case the walk to the three-way in the middle of the store is too mortifying.

I was most impressed by the stores jewelry collection. While it had its fair share of imitation Juicy Couture hoops and Baby Phat watches, the good far outnumbered the bad. There was a tray of cocktail rings, and a bowl filled with those stackable leather bracelets, each with one little charm hanging from it. Fresh on Five also has a display of the immensely popular brand Dogeared. All those little peace signs, wishbones, feathers and skulls you see in girls' ears and dangling on colored threads? That's Dogeared. More surprising is that the store stocks jewelry by Disney Couture. Lindsay Lohan (hold gag reflex until I am done speaking) was photographed for several magazines sporting a gold plated necklace with the words "Fairest of them all" from the collection. In a fascinating attempt to attract an older audience, Disney fuses the nostalgia associated with its brand with progressive symbols (the pieces feature more skulls, mushrooms, nooses, pistols, and swords than Bambi charms.) The results are delightfully tongue-in-cheek objects that are as familiar as they are unsettling.

For men dragged in against their will (and women who have overexerted themselves), an enormous upholstered cube makes a comfortable place to wait while your friends are being rung up. The packaging is great, no matter how small the purchase, and all first time purchasers are sent a thank you note. Despite some flaws, this is a personable store, and well worth the walk.

Best Dressed: Vivian Brodie ’08 is a master of casual elegance. She pairs Marc Jacobs flats with a hippie scarf and some delicate gold jewelry, all with a degree of sprezzatura not seen since the Renaissance.